Taboo 2001: A Sex Odyssey

Porn auteur extraordinaire James Avalon (aka Mondo Tundra or Kunga Sludge on less prestigious projects) takes the long-running TABOO franchise away from the incest (episodes 1-6) and S&M-tinged mind games (everything since) for its 20th (!) installment. Occasionally overreaching in its ambitions (sci-fi futuristic visions aren't easily accomplished, even on a by 'core standards lavish budget) means the movie may not be Avalon's crowning achievement. While many fans believe that title belongs to LES VAMPYRES, this reviewer's inclined towards the first (of 3) RED VIBE DIARIES until further notice.

The year is 2062 and in the totalitarian society du jour every form of sex is outlawed, including erotic thought which is monitored by the elitist Thought Police, capturing culprits before carnality takes place in a nod to MINORITY REPORT. Top agent Nicole Sheridan (showing remarkable thespian prowess considering her background in mostly wall to wall sexathons) is slated to lure and trap the evil Madame Fetish (exotic Syren, born to be draped in fetish gear) who exploits an underground virtual reality sex club. Sheridan successfully infiltrates and, while initially repulsed by the outlandish goings-on (a color-coded mini parody of Kubrick's 2001 surely being the standout sequence), finds herself gradually drawn into this forbidden netherworld. Taking the step from passive voyeur to active participant, Sheridan has but a split second to ensnare Mme Fetish via mind melding, which is sure to make more sense to all you MATRIX fans out there than it did to me. A mere moment's hesitation will separate her body and mind, granting her the unwarranted freedom of sexual fantasy as her physical remains turn vegetable in the real world.

While considerable attention is paid to plot, there are still a few moments when things don't quite make sense. For instance, as Sheridan begins to question her moral beliefs and frantically masturbates in the real world as she fantasizes about making love to her captain (and, transgressive, real life lover) Voodoo, why isn't the Thought Police banging on her door ? Such inconsistencies might have passed by unnoticed in less story-based carnal capers but are quite jarring here. Splendid production design though with elaborate sets and costumes enhancing some genuinely imaginative sex sequences, though these may actually be somewhat too frantically edited for viewers who prefer a more traditional build-up to the action. This is that porn rarity however, a film first with turn-on potential a not too distant second thought.

James Avalon, charged with creating a sequel in the endless "Taboo" series (that Kirdy Stevens created back in the theatrical age of porn) opted to give Metro a big-deal sci-fi version, loaded with SPFX and visual distortion that only mar the finished product. It's not among his best turn of this century porn features.

Among its more obvious flaws is Voodoo confusingly in a dual role, which we learn from the BTS was occasioned by Mark Davis not showing up for a leading part and being replaced. A very big-name cast is largely wasted in showy but empty set-pieces set in a Virtual Reality, clumsily executed by the ordinarily sure-handed Avalon.